Cardinals: Dockett cut for near $7m in savings

One of the most well known Arizona Cardinals over the last decade was Darnell Dockett. Now he is available to sign with any other team.

For years he was among the best 3-4 defensive ends as a pass rusher while never threatening to match that level in run defense. He peaked in 2011 where even though he only had four sacks, he collected 15 hits and 35 hurries — those 54 total pressures was second best for the position, just behind Justin Smith. He declined to an average state as a pass rusher at the position in 2012 and 2013, and missed all of 2014.

Assuming he can return to the same level he was at in 2013, he should be able to catch on somewhere or back in Arizona as a situational pass rusher. However, his days of playing 80% or more of a team’s snaps are likely behind him.

Cutting him saved $6.8 million against the cap which contributed to the release. He will be 34 by the time the season starts, and is among the 10 oldest interior defensive linemen remaining in the league. Tommy Kelly did well in Dockett’s place in 2014 and is also a free agent, but Frostee Rucker and Kareem Martin can also fill Dockett’s spot. The Cardinals will be thin on the defensive line if Dockett, Kelly, and Dan Williams aren’t brought back… certainly a situation to keep an eye on.